Delirium Tremens: Symptoms, Causes, and Life-Saving Treatments

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Delirium tremens is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical care. So, always call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe, life-threatening symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is characterized by confusion, tremors, psychosis, and even seizures.

DTs is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care.

In this article, we will explore what is delirium tremens, what are the symptoms of delirium tremens, and what your recovery options are for your safety and healing.

Delirium tremens is one of the most severe symptoms and the final stage of alcohol withdrawal. It occurs between 48 hours and 96 hours after the last drink. This is commonly observed among those who engage in heavy, uncontrolled drinking before abruptly quitting or stopping alcohol use.

If you suspect delirium tremens, please understand that it is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately. This can be a life-saving move.

Some of the commonly recognizable symptoms of delirium tremens are:

• Severe confusion and disorientation
• Fever
• Mood changes
• Sleep changes
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
• Heavy sweating
• Body tremors and shakes
• Whole body seizures.

DTs can become a life-threatening condition if not treated immediately. Seeking medical care can prevent the condition from worsening.

An estimated 5% of the people who experience alcohol withdrawal experience delirium tremens. The main cause of DTs is alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), so the CNS goes into overdrive to keep your mind and body awake and functioning. When a person reduces or stops alcohol consumption after a period of heavy alcohol use, the CNS is not able to regulate its activity, leading to alcohol withdrawal symptoms - such as DTs.

Delirium tremens is diagnosed with physical and neurological exams and clinical tools like the Clinical Institute for Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Revised Scale (CIWA-Ar).

Other tests for DTs can also include urine tests, blood tests, EEG, MRI scans, and electrolyte level tests, among others.

Treating delirium tremens will involve treating the underlying reasons - such as lowering CNS activity with sedation and treating other symptoms like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and seizures.

However, treating DTs does not resolve the main cause - alcohol use disorder. Therefore, more structured care options are required to meet you where you are - for a lasting recovery.

Alcohol use disorder can be treated in both residential and outpatient settings. However, not everyone struggling with alcohol needs residential care or needs to put their life on hold.

Structured care options like partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs can offer intensive care along with flexibility for a more active, intentional healing experience.

With behavioral therapies, medication management, peer support, and lifestyle modifications - alcohol use can be treated effectively for a lasting recovery.

If you or someone you love has experienced delirium tremens, understanding what comes next can feel overwhelming and confusing.

However, the next step after treating the symptoms is to seek clarity for a more lasting healing experience.

Reaching out to licensed and trained clinical experts can enable you to understand your next steps toward healing and what level of care makes sense for you.

Call (323) 307-7997.

How to prevent delirium tremens or DTs?

DTs can be prevented by safely withdrawing from alcohol use through medically supervised detoxification.

What are the first signs of DTs?

The first signs of delirium tremens are irritability, cognitive changes, hallucinations, and severe confusion or delirium.

Is DTs curable?

DTs can be treated with immediate medical care; otherwise, it can turn into a severe and even life-threatening condition.

Is hospitalization required for DTs?

Hospitalization may be required for DTs for the safe management of its symptoms and alcohol withdrawal in general.

How to prevent future DTs?

DTs is a sign of severe alcohol use. Therefore, structured care options that offer therapy, medication, and peer support can treat these underlying reasons for alcohol use toward a lasting recovery.